It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Clata Rhea Allred Perry, a
beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She
departed this life peacefully on Sunday, December 1 st , surrounded by her loving family.
Born on January 27, 1941, in Pickett County, TN, Clata was a beacon of light and love
to all who knew her. Her kindness, compassion, humor, determination and unwavering
faith were all hallmarks of her of her character, touching the lives of everyone she
encountered.
She was Valedictorian of her high school class and was a lifelong learner, which served
her well in both her personal and professional life, always seeking to improve herself
and those around her. Clata graduated from Draughon’s Business College in 1959 and
attended Roane State Community college and began her career in banking where she
worked for 17 years and retired as a Vice President in a male dominated industry as the
first female vice president within the bank. After retirement, in true Clata fashion, she
went back to school to become a certified residential real estate appraiser – opening her
own business, Perry Appraisal Services and did this for another 15 years before finally
retiring and devoting time to her family, her church and volunteering in the community.
Throughout her life, Clata was known for her servant heart and boundless generosity,
and unwavering dedication to her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter
and humility that will forever remain in the hearts of her husband, children,
grandchildren, and many friends.
Clata was a true pillar of her community, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer
her support to those in need. Her warmth and hospitality made her home a welcoming
haven for family gatherings and celebrations, where generations of memories were

made and cherished. She was an avid power walker, loved to entertain, was an
amazing cook and loved to eat anything sweet, and was quick to challenge anyone to a
game of cards or dominos. Clata was a leader in her church, teaching Sunday School
for over 40 years never missed leading a Vacation Bible School, she was passionate
about sharing the love of Jesus with others.
She is survived by her devoted husband, James Perry, her children, Deborah Huckabey
(Lenoir City), Cara Chennault-Reid and son in law John G. Reid II (Kansas), stepson
Russell Perry and Tammy Perry (Wartburg) her grandchildren Meagan Norman (Lenoir
City), Caroline Reid (Georgia), Camille Reid (Kansas), Gage and Mya Perry (Wartburg),
and one very special great granddaughter Kinsley Norman (Lenoir City). She had 4
siblings, and is survived by her brother, Gene Allred (Cookeville) and several nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Austin and Gracie Ann Allred, and
three sisters, Ollene Hayes, Allene McCormick and Orba Welch.
A celebration of Clata’s remarkable life will be held in 2025 and announced at a later
date, where family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects and share
their memories. In lieu of flowers, Clata requested that you donate your time, talents
and service to your favorite charity or someone in need.
Clata was anxiously awaiting her last day on this earth and ready to enter the gates of
Heaven, to have her body and mind restored to celebrate in this joyous homecoming
with those who’ve gone before her. While she is no longer with us, Clata’s spirit and her
love for others will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
“His lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over
a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Mathew 25:23.